Winter's Right Around The Corner...Are You Prepared?

November 20, 2006

A recent survey commissioned by the Car Care Council found 70 percent of people admitted to not winterizing their vehicles. In fact, AAA estimates vehicle breakdowns top 5 million during the winter holiday season alone. Winter is right around the corner which may mean snow, ice, and dangerous driving conditions are on their way as well."I learned how to drive in the Midwest, famous for some of the most extreme winter weather conditions," says Danica Patrick, IndyCar(R) Series sensation. "This taught me that harsh weather can be very hard on a car. You're risking a breakdown if you don't take the time to prepare your vehicle for the winter, even if you don't have your own pit crew."Here are some basic guidelines Danica suggests to follow for keeping your car running smoothly during winter:

Prepare an emergency kit. Pack a flashlight, jumper cables, tire chains and tool kit. Also, throw a heavy bag of sand in the trunk. In the event that the road is too icy, the extra weight will help you get better traction.

Check your battery! Harsh weather can cut a battery's life in half so make sure to check it before the weather hits.

Change your wipers. Check for signs of cracking or tearing and replace if there is evidence of streaking or smearing. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, consider specialized winter wiper blades made to withstand the harshest of conditions. Consider adding a product like Mr. Clean(TM) Premium Windshield Wash, to help de-bug and de-ice during all seasons.

Keep tires at the proper pressure. Having a tire gauge is very inexpensive and easy to keep in your glove box. This is just like checking the tires on your bike, except you don't have to do the pumping. Also consider specialized winter tires if you live in an area that suffers from extreme winter weather.

Keep the gas tank at least half full. This is important to prevent gas lines from freezing.

Most people mistakenly believe they need their local mechanic to prepare their car for the changing season. It can be done at home easily by choosing convenient car care products. And, it can help save time and money."For nearly 60 years, the Peak(R) brand has been trusted by millions of consumers worldwide to deliver maximum performance at reasonable prices. We are constantly talking with our consumers to develop products that meet their needs." says Josh Russell, PEAK Antifreeze, Brand Manager. "Our research shows that consumers are time-starved and looking for products that offer them convenience, vehicle flexibility and long-lasting protection and performance."